If you're a fan of the late David Bowie, you may have noticed something unique about his appearance - his eyes. Although both of his eyes were blue, they had different colors. This condition is known as heterochromia, and it's a rare but fascinating phenomenon.
What is Heterochromia?
Heterochromia is a genetic condition that results in a person having two different colored eyes. It can be present at birth or develop later in life due to injury or illness. There are three types of heterochromia:
- Complete heterochromia - when one eye is a completely different color than the other eye.
- Partial heterochromia - when part of one eye is a different color than the rest of the eye.
- Sectoral heterochromia - when a specific area of one eye is a different color than the rest of the eye.
David Bowie's Heterochromia
David Bowie had a type of heterochromia called anisocoria, which means that his pupils were different sizes. However, many people mistake his anisocoria for heterochromia because his left eye appeared to be a lighter blue than his right eye. In reality, both of his eyes were blue, but his left eye had a darker ring around the iris, which made it appear to be a different color.
Other Famous People with Heterochromia
David Bowie isn't the only famous person with heterochromia. Here are a few others:
- Kate Bosworth - actress
- Mila Kunis - actress
- Dan Aykroyd - actor and comedian
- Christopher Walken - actor
- Alice Eve - actress
- Jane Seymour - actress
Causes of Heterochromia
There are several causes of heterochromia:
- Genetics - some people are born with heterochromia due to a genetic mutation.
- Injury - trauma to the eye can cause heterochromia.
- Iris atrophy - a condition where the iris loses pigmentation and changes color.
- Horner's syndrome - a condition that affects the nervous system and can cause heterochromia.
- Waardenburg syndrome - a genetic condition that can cause hearing loss, changes in skin pigmentation, and heterochromia.
Treatment for Heterochromia
Most cases of heterochromia don't require treatment because it's a harmless condition. However, if it's caused by an underlying medical condition, that condition may need to be treated. In rare cases, people may choose to wear colored contact lenses to make their eyes appear more symmetrical.
The Fascination with Heterochromia
Heterochromia is a rare but fascinating condition that has captured the attention of many people. It's often seen as a unique and beautiful trait, and many people find it to be alluring. There are even fictional characters with heterochromia, such as David Bowie's character in the movie Labyrinth.
Conclusion
David Bowie's eyes were a unique and captivating feature that added to his overall mystique. His anisocoria often gets mistaken for heterochromia, but it's still a fascinating condition nonetheless. While heterochromia is rare, it's not unheard of, and it's often seen as a beautiful and intriguing trait.